Zelensky signals he doesn't expect Ukraine to join NATO anytime soon. Here's what to know
16-03-2022, 10:15
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dropped his clearest hint yet that he does not expect his country to join NATO anytime soon.
"For years we have been hearing about how the door is supposedly open (to NATO membership) but now we hear that we cannot enter. And it is true, and it must be acknowledged," he said during an address by video link to leaders of the British-led Joint Expeditionary Force.
"I am glad that our people are beginning to understand this and rely on themselves and on our partners who assist us."
Here's why Zelensky's comments are significant:
- What is NATO: The security alliance of 30 North American and European nations was created in 1949 in response to the start of the Cold War. Its original purpose was to protect the West from the threat posed by the Soviet Union.
- Why Putin sees it as a threat: Since the end of the Cold War, many former Soviet satellite states have joined NATO, meaning Russia now shares a land border with the world's largest military alliance, tempering Russian leader Vladimir Putin's geopolitical ambitions in what was once Moscow's sphere of influence.
- Putin's excuse for war: Ukraine's desire to join NATO, and its status as a NATO partner — seen as a step on the way to eventual full membership — was among the numerous grievances Putin cited in an attempt to justify his country's invasion of its neighbor.
- Reaction: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Zelensky's remarks a "reflection of reality" as "Ukraine was not going to get into NATO tomorrow." Blinken called Putin's concerns about Ukraine being centered on its admission to NATO "a lie." Putin has demonstrated that the war is about "denying Ukraine its independent existence," Blinken said.
- Article 5: Zelensky also criticized the effectiveness of NATO's Article 5 provision — the principle that an attack on one member is an attack on all — calling it "weak." His comments came as key cities in Ukraine, including around Kyiv and Mariupol, reported extensive damage and dire situations for residents. The US is reluctant to impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine or supply the country with jets, two things repeatedly requested by Zelensky, as it could escalate into a direct confrontation with Russia.
"Some states of alliance have intimidated themselves, saying that they can't answer. That they cannot collide with Russian missiles and planes in the Ukrainian sky. Because this, they say, will lead to escalation, will lead to the Third World War. … And what will they say if Russia goes further to Europe, attacking other countries? I am sure the same thing they say to Ukraine. Article 5 of the NATO treaty has never been as weak as it is now. This is just our opinion," Zelensky said.
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